Sandia Aerospace introduces STX 360 Sentinel

Sandia Aerospace introduced the STX 360 Sentinel at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Dallas. The ADS-B solution for general aviation aircraft is a panel-mounted UAT ADS-B with built-in Mode C transponder.

Installed in the same space as an existing transponder, which saves on installation costs, the STX 360 has an internal diplexer that requires just a single antenna, further reducing installation costs and complexity, according to company officials.

Because the STX 360 is a combination unit, a single point of entry for the squawk code eliminates the possibility of reporting two separate codes, officials add..

“The idea for the Sentinel came when our market research indicated that there was a need for an ADS-B solution with a transponder and UAT built in,” said Sandia Aerospace President Dennis Schmidt.

The STX 360 Sentinel provides a display of traffic and METARS on its sunlight readable OLED display. With its wireless output capability, the STX 360 can also display weather and traffic on portable devices such as iPads.

In addition, Sandia Aerospace introduced the STX 180, a remote version of the Sentinel. The STX 180 uses the same UAT and Mode C transponder which can be controlled by Sandia ½ 3ATI control head or by using various manufacturers’ EFIS systems.

Both the STX 360 Sentinel and the STX 180 will be available in 2016 at a price below $3,500, officials conclude.